Is This Me?

Chapter Eleven - "You'll forever be my little one, sweetheart"

"Hey, Lilly" Anne spoke through the phone. 

"Hey, Anne, how are you?" Lilly replied. She didn't sound as sweet and cheerful as she used to. She sounded sad and disappointed.

"I'm doing good. Are you okay?" Anne asked, her forehead creasing in concern. 

"Why didn't you tell me, Anne?" Lilly finally asked, unable to hold back her anger. 

Anne was surprised by Lilly's question. Did she find out about her dad? How? That would explain Lilly's brisk tone. She swallowed. 

She sighed deeply before responding.

"I.. I'm sorry, Lilly. I wasn't ready. I know we have a no secrets between us but I was going to tell-" she was cut off by Lilly's soft voice.

"Shhh. I know. It's okay, Anne. I totally understand. I was just so shocked, worried and confused when I found out. A little annoyed too, I'll have to admit. But, it's okay. I knew you would still tell me anyways. I'm the one that should be saying sorry for your terrible loss. I'm still in shock. I wish I was there with you to comfort you and give you strength, although I've never doubted that you're a strong lady". 

Anne could feel the warmth in Lilly's  voice now and smiled, even though she couldn't see her. "I just hope you're okay? How is everyone?" 

"We are doing good. It's hard but God is with us. Yeah, don't worry Lilly, I'm fine. I wish I could see you too. I miss you terribly!" She chuckled before continuing "But, are you coming to the funeral? It has to be in Egypt" 

 "Yeah, Of course I am! I'll be coming with mom too. We can just leave Timmy with Symonne. I'm sure she'll take good care of him. She loves hum so much! Sometimes, he doesn't even want to leave her house." Lilly replied excitedly.  She couldn't imagine not being with her best friend at a time like this. It's what friends are for  - the good times and the bad. 

"Oh, wonderful!" Anne exclaimed, beyond excited that she was going to see Lilly soon.

 Lilly chuckled. 

"May I ask a question though?" Anne continued. 

"Yeah. What's up?" 

"How did you find out?" Anne finally asked. Now that she's feeling less guilty about Lilly finding out from another source, she was dying to know who told Lilly about it. 

"My uncle. He's an attorney and apparently, used to be friends with your dad.  He read Papa's Will to you on Sunday. Who would have thought, right?" Lilly responded. 

She remembered Papa had once told her that any friend of Anne's is a friend to their entire family and he was always so proud of their friendship. He had given her permission to call him Papa from their first meeting, and whenever she was formal and called him Mr. Oladipo, he would scroll playfully and wave away her formality. He was just like a father to her and it still left a gaping hole in her heart that he was gone. Just like that! 

"Oh. Mr. Michael?" Anne's surprised words drew her from her thoughts.

"Yes. He's my uncle!" Lilly said.

"Oh" Anne said, now getting it. What a small world!

"Lilly!" Anne heard Mrs. Susan's voice in the background. "Come put some more water in Timmy's water bowl. Hurry up! He appears to be really thirsty today!" 

"Anne, I have to go now, but I'll call you back soon, okay? Say hello to everyone for me" Lilly said. 

"Okay! Talk to you soon! Say hello to mom and Timmy!" Anne responded.